The day before classes: 

Expectation- “I’m going to color coordinate all of my classes with notebooks and folders. I’m going to print all of my syllabi and write down all of my quizzes, projects and tests and make sure I’m really prepared for everything this semester. I’m also going to get all of my textbooks.” 

Reality- You have one five subject notebook with last year’s notes in it and you don’t even know your class schedule yet.

The first day of classes: 

Expectation- “I’m going to get up early so I can work out and shower and plan a cute outfit.” 

Reality- You wake up late and have to sprint to class. You show up sweaty and without a pen.

Office hours:

Expectation- “I’m going to really utilize my professor’s office hours. I’ll go and ask him things that I don’t understand and get to know him. 

Reality- You never go to office hours and still don’t know how to pronounce your professor’s name.

First group project:

Expectation- “I’m going to put forth a lot of effort and take charge and volunteer to do a lot.” 

Reality- You only meet with your group once before the project is due and aren’t quite sure of their names. 

First test:

Expectation- “I’m going to start studying a week in advance so I can take my time and really absorb the information so I can get ace it.” 

Reality- You forget you have a test because you never wrote it in your planner and you find out the day before. You need to pull an all-nighter to study and wind up getting a C.